NBA Podcast: 2013-14 Chicago Bulls Season Preview

Derrick Rose is back. But by how much? Chicago is wondering the same thing about its Bulls.

A new season means the core of Rose, Luol Deng, Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer is finally healthy and together again. Jimmy Butler showed a ton of promise last year too and will be the fifth starter this season, offering some upside and athleticism this group has sorely lacked. Mike Dunleavy also figures as a perfect addition to a typically underutilized second unit.

Once a legit title contender and owner of the East's best record a couple of years back, the Bulls can't be truly dangerous until Derrick Rose is a superstar again and Butler reaches near-star status.

Is the bench finally deep enough? Will the core group ever stay healthy at the same time? Will Tom Thibodeau trust his second unit long enough to save his starters for the postseason? Can the Bulls reach the Miami Heat pedestal while also fending off legit challengers like the Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks?

Bulls Featured Columnist Kelly Scaletta joins NBA assistant editors Ethan Norof and Joel C. Cordes for the latest episode of Basketball by Association.

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We look at the best and worst of the Bulls' offseason, along with the biggest questions heading into 2014. We'll also detail Chicago's keys to a successful year while predicting its final standing.

Want more team-by-team NBA season previews? Find the latest here. Basketball by Association cast members and pro-hoops analysis can be found at Bleacher Report's Court Vision blog.